Iceland vs Nicaragua
Crypto regulation comparison
Iceland
Nicaragua
Legal
Legal
Cryptocurrency is legal in Iceland and subject to a 22% capital gains tax. Iceland is a major crypto mining destination due to abundant geothermal and hydroelectric energy. As an EEA member, Iceland follows EU financial regulations including MiCA through EEA incorporation.
Nicaragua regulates virtual assets under Law 1072 (2021) and BCN resolution CD-BCN-XXV-1-22 (2022). VASPs must be licensed by BCN. Crypto gains taxed at 15% capital gains rate.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
22%
Tax Rate
15%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
FME (Fjármálaeftirlitið / Financial Supervisory Authority), Central Bank of Iceland
Regulator
Banco Central de Nicaragua (BCN)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; follows EEA guidelines
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
Key Points
- 22% capital gains tax on crypto profits
- Iceland is one of the world's largest crypto mining locations due to cheap renewable energy
- FME supervises crypto businesses under AML/KYC regulations
- As an EEA member, Iceland incorporates EU financial regulations including MiCA
- Capital controls (imposed 2008-2017) originally complicated crypto usage but have been lifted
Key Points
- Law 1072 (2021) defines virtual assets and regulates VASPs
- BCN is designated as the licensing and supervisory authority
- Banks are legally permitted to offer virtual asset services
- Capital gains taxed at 15% on crypto profits
- Government monitors virtual transactions exceeding ,000 since 2025